A Week in the Mountains

Today was the final day of the Publishers Invitational here in upper New York. Hosted by Eric Rhoads, this gathering is unlike workshops that feature a mentor-participant, teaching format. Instead we were all simply there to paint and relate. Every day was a full one of painting, talk, good food, music (several brought their instruments), and encouragement. This year was special as the tenth one, a reunion for those who had previously attended and a novel experience for newcomers. Eric is a human tornado whose career as an entrepreneur of media and promoter of art has spanned at least five decades. And it's his enthusiastic and infectious approach to outdoor painting that has brought artists together here in the Adirondacks. For the last six days we've enjoyed the break from the heat and the clamor of daily routine in favor of painting and camaraderie.

"Adirondacks, June 2021," oil on panel, 9x12

The weather has been spectacular--moderate temperatures, mostly sunny and bug-free. About 100 painters came together from around the country for the week of painting and art talk, a chance to spend time comparing experiences, hearing the successes and struggles of others, and got to know one another better. The group included beginners, accomplished amateurs, and seasoned professionals, a few quite famous but at this camp we were all equals. We stayed at a college in the northern Adirondacks this week along a beautiful lakefront with views in nearly every direction that called out for painting. We spent days painting vistas of mountains, the shimmer of lakes and marshes, and the ever-changing greens.

With a more intense schedule than usual, many painted at least two canvases a day--up to a dozen in all--but some painted even more. One participant actually produced more than twenty paintings. And all the while in company of old and new friends. No wonder about half of the group were repeat attendees.

"Saranac Village View," oil on panel, 9x12